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Having turned their backs on a potential merger, Athletics Australia (AA) and Little Athletics Australia (LAA) are to establish a new Joint Athletics Management Group.

The two bodies have been working increasingly closer together over recent years, and while a formal merger of the two organisations is not proceeding at this time, both AA and LAA have expressed the strong desire to continue to explore ways of continuing to align.

In recent discussion, it has been agreed that a Joint Athletics Management Group comprising representatives of both AA and LAA would be formed.

This group will look to identify practical outcomes that can help further strengthen the links between the two bodies and align their efforts to grow the sport of athletics in Australia at all levels.

Explaining the move, LAA President Dereck Fineberg stated "Little Athletics Australia and our state associations are looking forward to building upon the current positive relationships between Little Athletics and our senior counterparts at all levels.

"There are a number of initiatives that we can investigate jointly and productive outcomes from these can benefit all athletes and families."

Athletics Australia President David Grace QC said that the senior athletics body remained committed to finding ways to working with Little Athletics.

Grace added "one of the tangible benefits of the merger process we underwent was that both bodies got a far stronger understanding of each other.

"We have strengthened our ties and there is an excellent level of trust and co-operation between Athletics Australia and Little Athletics Australia.

"The new Joint Athletics Management Group will focus on building on this burgeoning relationship and finding mutually beneficial ways of working together for the betterment of the sport of athletics.

"It will also formalise our regular lines of communications and ensure that we continue to look for ways to assist each other wherever possible."